Stress-less tax returns (well almost)
*Please note the information in this article may be out of date
Dreading January? As a self-employed sole trader, we’re going to guess that’s a yes – unless you’ve managed to file your Self-Assessment tax return already. Getting this monumental task completed early is no mean feat. But it is possible to get through the tax season without experiencing a stressful sprint to 31st January.
Thu, 02 Jan 2020Mike Parkes, our Self-Assessment expert, and Development Director at GoSimpleTax, explains how to make this as stress free as possible.
Gather all information soon!
Don’t delay. Get the required data together now. Make a checklist such as the one below to ensure you have everything avoiding unnecessary delays.
Documents and Information Checklist
| Documents / Information | Found | Need to Find |
|---|---|---|
| National Insurance Number | ||
| Unique Taxpayer Reference number or UTR | ||
| Business/partnership name, address and company number if relevant | ||
| P45 | ||
| P60 | ||
| P11D | ||
| The business’s annual income and expenditure | ||
| Income earned from other employment | ||
| Any rent they have received | ||
| Interest paid on loans, credit cards or other credit | ||
| Income from overseas | ||
| Income received from a partnership | ||
| Any dividends received | ||
| Benefits received either from the state or an employer | ||
| Capital gains received | ||
| Gift Aid received | ||
| Pension contributions | ||
| Tax payments they have already made this year (payments on account) |
If you have an accountant or bookkeeper filing your return ask them to sign and register the 64-8 form earlier rather than later. This will make them officially recognised as your agent by HMRC, and able to act on your behalf.
Know what you need
You have your checklist of standard data required, but you may require extra information.
Perhaps you have a student loan. Maybe you (or your partner) are claiming Child Benefit. If there’s the slightest possibility your circumstances will affect how much tax you need to pay, you should be aware.
Be aware of possible penalties
Submitting the Self-Assessment late comes with penalties, so be aware of these and know how you will need to provide all the necessary data to ensure they avoid them.
Check for mistakes now
It’s possible that, when you have gathered your information together, you may have missed something out or made an error.
So, once you’ve collated everything you need look at it as soon as possible. You’ll want to guarantee that nothing doesn’t quite add up or has been excluded.
Minimise errors with tax software
The chances of any mistakes can be reduced through Self-Assessment tax return software. It will take all the administrative work off your hands, ensuring the numbers are correct.
Think ahead for Making Tax Digital
With Making Tax Digital over the horizon begin converting to a software such as GoSimpleTax and utilise its income tax calculator and submission tool for your business. Giving you full visibility of your tax liability in real time whilst giving and reviewing your pension contributions and investment opportunities.
Our Favourite Tax App?
It's Simple
ListenToTaxman has teamed up with GoSimpleTax, online Self Assessment software to bring you, what in our view, is the easiest way of calculating and submitting your tax return we’ve seen so far.
Key in your income and expenses into the software, and it will flag up any unclaimed allowances. Simple. Once you’re comfortable with the information you’ve entered, simply submit via the software to HMRC. You’ll just need your Unique Tax Reference Number (UTR) found on most tax correspondence. GoSimpleTax software is free to try. If you don’t think it’s right for you - don’t pay anything. If you do choose to submit your tax information via the software, then you will pay £54.99 for an individual return – multiple returns and Parnerships are available too!